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During my 35 years as an optician, I have seen many fascinating and delightful people. Luckily, most of them have had perfectly healthy eyes, but, unfortunately, there have been many people over the years who have suffered from various diseases of the eyes, some of them even going blind with conditions that still cannot be cured.

Research into these diseases is, of course, on-going, but funding for research is a major issue. A superb organisation has been working very hard to raise funds from charitable donations and sponsorship. This group is called Fight for Sight. This the UK's leading charity dedicated to funding world-class research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease.

It is nearly 20 years since I did any significant running, so it could be said that I have finally taken leave of my senses because I have entered for the London Marathon. This is just after Easter in April, 2012. It will be a huge challenge, as I am as yet nowhere near fit enough. The idea is that, by running 26 and a bit miles, I aim to raise a significant sum of money (I am hoping for £5,000) for Fight for Sight to help find cures for these distressing blinding diseases.

I would be delighted if you would consider helping me in my endeavour by checking down the sides of your sofa, your rain coat pockets and under the car seats and collect all those copper coins that you didn't know you had and wouldn't miss and that £5 note that was washed in your jeans.... Any money put through my letter-box would be very welcome, as would any brought into the shop in George Street. Please give generously.